Ground Zero Honor Tour with 9/11 Hero's Brother
Description
Join Michael Burke, brother of FDNY Captain William F. "Billy" Burke, Jr., for a deeply personal, firsthand journey through Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial, the FDNY Memorial Wall and the story of the iconic Sphere. This is not a typical sightseeing tour. It's a personal story of loss and heroism, remembrance and resilience - told by someone whose family lived it. Hear Capt. Burke's story of heroism and sacrifice and the lives he saved. Visit the iconic Koenig Sphere, a battered survivor of 9/11. Neglected and forgotten, I led the fight to restore it to Ground Zero. Visit the FDNY Memorial Wall; I spoke at its dedication. Perfect for those seeking a genuine understanding of the meaning, magnitude and impact of the attacks and the aftermath. - Guided tour led by Michael Burke, a 9/11 family member - Visit key sites including the Koenig Sphere and FDNY Memorial Wall - Hear personal stories of loss, bravery, and resilience - Ideal for those wanting to honor and appreciate the 9/11 tragedy
Tour Options
Itinerary
Visit the iconic Koenig Sphere, which stood in the WTC plaza for 30 years as a symbol of world peace and cooperation, and on 9/11 survived the attacks bashed and torn, but intact.
A gift of Knight and Holland, LLC, in honor of partner Gary Winuk, a volunteer firefighter from Jericho, NY. On 9/11 Winuk rushed to the site and was killed in the collapse of the towers. The wall commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of the FDNY, 9/11, listing the 343 who gave all by name, rank and company.
We visit the memorial, "Reflecting Absence," selected from over 5,000 entries, with its vast, every emptying voids.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
We took our 2 teenage children to this tour and the experience provided an incredible level of depth into the events of 9/11 and the heroism displayed so many brave FDNY individuals. The stories we heard provided detail that we had never heard elsewhere. It was extremely moving and left us amazed by the actions of so many 9/11 heroes. This experience is best suited for people who already have a fair bit of knowledge about 9/11 and are seeking a deeper understanding.
Thanks so much, Chris! It was my great pleasure to share my and my brother's 9/11 experience with you and your lovely family! Billy was a great believer in faithfully preserving and conveying the stories of struggle and sacrifice for the sake of humanity and justice, He'd really appreciate your kids learning his story! Thanks again!
Mike Burke gave my family a 9/11 Memorial tour in New York City on March 19, and it was, without question, one of the most meaningful experiences of our entire trip. What makes Mike's tour so extraordinary is that this isn't just history to him—it's personal. Mike shared the heartbreaking story of losing his brother on 9/11 and has dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of the thousands of people who lost their lives that awful day. Mike now offers these genuine and deeply personal tours as a way of honoring Billy's memory while ensuring that his story, along with the stories of so many others, is never forgotten. Throughout the tour, Mike respectfully and beautifully weaves together the lives of victims, survivors, first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and the families affected by that day. His firsthand connection, extensive knowledge, and remarkable commitment to the Memorial, the Sphere, the many organizations and events born from the tragedy, and the community whose lives continue to be shaped by 9/11 bring the events of September 11 to life in a way that is both deeply emotional and incredibly informative. You don't just learn what happened—you come away with a genuine understanding of the people behind the tragedy and the lasting impact it continues to have. It is evident that Mike pours his heart into every tour. His compassion, authenticity, and commitment to preserving these stories make this far more than a sightseeing experience. It is a powerful tribute to those who were lost and to everyone whose lives were forever changed. If you're visiting New York City, I cannot recommend this tour enough. It was an absolute privilege to spend time with Mike, hear these stories from someone so personally connected to them, and pay tribute to those whose memories deserve to live on. Thank you, Mike, for sharing your heart with all of us. It is an experience I will never forget.
Thanks so very much, Sara! It was my pleasure and as great an experience for me, also, to share my brother's story and my 9/11 experience and knowledge with you and your wonderful family! It was an experience I will never forget! Thank you very much for the opportunity! It means so much to know that Billy's legacy, and the memory of all from that day will live on!
